OFSTED has called on governors and parents to start pulling in the same direction at a feuding Pinner school.

The comments were made following a recent, routine inspection of West Lodge Middle School in West End Lane.

The school is under pressure to amalgamate with the first school of the same name. It is believed some of the governors at the middle school in West End Lane, Pinner, continue to oppose the plans - despite the majority of the parents favouring the idea.

In a letter written to Harrow Council towards the end of last year the Governing Body of West Lodge Middle School wrote: "We are not convinced that there are educational benefits if amalgamation takes place and a much larger school may mean a loss of the currently highly individuated culture in the schools. For example the headteacher of a larger school being familiar with few of the pupils."

However, the Ofsted report released in the past few weeks, states there is a conflict between the parents and governors. In his report Peter Sudworth, inspector, said: "A significant number of parents express concerns about the governing body because they do not feel that their views are being sufficiently taken into account in negotiation about the school's future.

"They have lost confidence in the governing body because they feel it has mishandled the situation.

"Parents express considerable dis-quiet about the school's future and the uncertainty in leadership arrangements as it awaits a final decision about amalgamation with the first school."

The issue is set to be discussed by the council's cabinet at a meeting in the Civic Centre, Station Road next week. And while many of those associated with the first school are in favour of the two joining the chairman of governors for the first school, Andy Lane, is happy to accept any decision given on the topic.

He said: "Whilst the formation of the latest steering group suggests amalgamation is favourable, whatever the outcome is at this stage we will have no qualms. The process in our view has been fair and transparent and that is all that matters."